Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Monday that an Israeli airstrike in Rafah, southern Gaza, which ignited a camp housing displaced Palestinians and reportedly killed at least 45 people, was due to a “tragic mistake.”
This incident has intensified the international criticism Israel faces over its conflict with Hamas, even drawing condemnation from its closest allies over civilian casualties. Israel maintains that it follows international law despite being under scrutiny by global courts, one of which recently demanded a halt to the Rafah offensive.
Netanyahu did not provide specifics about the error. Initially, the Israeli military claimed the strike targeted a Hamas compound, killing two senior fighters. As more details emerged, the military announced an investigation into the civilian deaths.
The strike on Sunday night, one of the deadliest in the conflict, has pushed the Palestinian death toll above 36,000, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between fighters and civilians in its count.
“Despite our utmost efforts not to harm innocent civilians, last night there was a tragic mistake,” Netanyahu said in a parliamentary address. “We are investigating the incident and will obtain a conclusion because this is our policy.”
Rescuers at the scene in Tel al-Sultan described the aftermath, saying they retrieved victims, including children and elderly people, from the fire-ravaged camp. The Gaza Health Ministry and the Palestinian Red Crescent rescue service reported at least 45 fatalities, including 12 women, eight children, and three older adults, with several bodies burned beyond recognition.
